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Jacob's Ladder Quilt Pattern

Fun and Easy Beginner Quilt Patterns!

The Jacob's Ladder quilt pattern is a wonderfully graphic quilt.

Constructed from four patch and half square triangle
units, it's a perfect choice for the beginning quilter who's ready to
add triangle squares to their repertoire.

You can create your Jacob's Ladder quilt pattern designs from one of two related blocks. (You'll find instructions for both on this website with links further down the page.)

Both are made from the same units, only their grids differ. Neither block is easier or harder than the other,
though the larger, 3x3 grid block creates more intricate quilt designs.

All of the designs below are in straight sets with the
exception of one quilt.

With the strong diagonal movement through the
block, an on-point setting doesn't add the drama it usually would for
many other blocks.

Make a simple change...

Take our pattern from above and flip the half square triangle units so that the darks are towards the outside (see right).

Alternate the two blocks and strong, parallel, diagonal stripes emerge.

I've seen this layout in several antique quilts. Almost always two color. Almost always blue and white.

Try a grouping of blocks...

Put four of our original blocks together.

Orient them in the same direction to create a Jacob's Ladder quilt block variation called "New Double Four Patch".

Add a stripped sashing and a nine patch quilt block for the cornerstones and you have this quilt design.

Stunning. Graphic. The perfect quilt for the men and boys in your life.

Jacob's Ladder Quilt Pattern3x3 Grid Block

Some Jacob's Ladder quilt blocks are based on a 3x3 grid.

Again, the color placement in the four patch units creates strong diagonal movement through the quilt.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

This 3x3 grid version of our Jacob's Ladder is known by these other common names:

Double Hour GlassGoing to ChicagoGolden StairsOff to San FranciscoPacific Rail RoadRailroadRoad to ArkansasRoad to California

Road to the White HouseStepping StonesSusie's FancyTail of Benjamin's KiteTrail of the Covered WagonUnderground RailroadWagon Tracks

Two color quilt

Two color quilts make a strong statement and this red and white version of the block (Figure 1) is no different.

Patch outlines are omitted so as not to distract from the overall impression.

Traditional Block, On-Point Layout

Use the same 2-color block design (Figure 1), but in an on-point
setting. Add a solid alternate block for open spaces for quilting
stitches.

Patch outlines are omitted so as not to distract from the overall impression.

Two color block, rotate alternate blocks

Use the same traditional, 2-color block from Figure 1.

Now make a multitude of different two color blocks with
one color common to all blocks. Rotate each alternate block by 90
degrees. This is the result:

Two color block, rotate patches

Use the same basic two color block, but reverse the orientation of
the half square triangles. This block is also know as "Road to
Arkansas".

Choose a color palette and make many two-color blocks. Use the same fabric (in our case black) for the strong diagonal.

Set all the blocks in the same direction and you'll have:

Four fabric block

Using four fabrics/colors completely changes the design. The strong diagonal element is still there.

However, an equally strong pattern is created when the blocks are set together.

To maintain the symmetry of this layout, you'll need
even numbers of blocks in both the rows and columns. A great quilt to
use up stash fabrics!

Woven Blocks

In this next example, we've taken the basic 3x3 grid block from
Figure 1 and positioned the fabrics in two different ways. The result is
a patchwork pattern where the blocks appear to weave through each other.

Below left, the four patches create a
light chain with a dark background. Below right, the four
patches create a dark chain with a white background.

Take a closer look. The only difference is that the half square triangle units are rotated 90 degrees.

Alternate the blocks and rows to create this scrappy, woven effect.

Tweak it!

In our final design suggestion for a Jacob's Ladder quilt pattern, we've changed the block just a bit.

There are now six half square triangle units and just
three four-patch units. All the four patches are the same black and
white patches for the whole quilt. The half square triangle units are
white and another color.

Now it's up to you...

Which Jacob's Ladder quilt pattern will you choose for your next quilt?